My son Abe is an adorable, smart and active child who attended one of the local yeshivahs. Things weren’t going well though. I was getting reports from the school that Abe couldn’t sit through circle-time or complete his assignments. No one knew what to do with him. He was not benefitting from his setting. With guidance from the school, I knew what I had to do. SEAD was the answer.
Now, a year later, I look into Abe’s classroom, and I marvel at the transformation. He is still that adorable, smart and active child, but he’s learned to sit and complete his work. He is scoring above his grade level in many areas. A week after I enrolled Abe in SEAD, one of the teachers approached me and said “Do you realize how smart Abe is?” I had never heard that before. His potential was never brought out. At SEA.D, the teachers teach him strategies, and work with his strengths to build him up. And now this upcoming school year, he is going back his old yeshivah!
This is a typical story I hear from parents of students at SEAD. As a speech and language pathologist in the school, I am part of an educational team that works to ensure academic and social success for every child. I have never seen a team that works as efficiently and effectively as SEAD’s to meet the individual needs of each child.
My experience at SEAD has dispelled many misconceptions I was under regarding the school. I had not been aware of the fact that the student body consists primarily of “run of the mill” boys and girls who are simply experiencing learning difficulties. I didn’t know that SEAD strives to imbue these students with the strategies to become successful and independent learners so that they can be mainstreamed into a regular education classroom.
At SEAD the curriculum is designed and developed to meet the specific needs of each and every child. While students are placed based on their grade and academic levels, the teachers always keep in mind that each child learns differently, and that an approach that works for one student, may not be suitable for another. Thus, a variety of techniques and modifications are employed so that each student can benefit equally.
Teachers often use teaching aids: visual aids such as pictures, tactile aids that allow students to experience through touch, and auditory aids, including noise blocking headsets to enhance reading concentration. When teaching reading comprehension, pictorial reminders are used to help the child retell the story by him or herself. Important points are written on a large pad to help students retain the information. Whatever the subject may be, at SEAD, the goal remains the same: to facilitate the learning process and help students become independent learners.
Research has shown that small classroom size offers many benefits. Children tend to be more focused, and there is more opportunity for each child to participate. At SEAD, the student-teacher ratio of 2-3 teachers per 5-8 students ensures that every child receives highly individualized attention. Children who in a large classroom setting were labeled shy or insecure, are now eager to participate and become active members of the class.
To all the parents whose children attend SEAD, I can assure you that your children are receiving a top notch education by a highly qualified staff who spare no effort to help your child realize academic success. These individuals are dedicated and committed to working together to facilitate your child’s learning. To parents whose children are currently experiencing learning difficulties, SEAD can help your children reach their full learning potential by identifying and addressing their individual challenges. To the community at large—I urge you to take this opportunity to learn more about SEAD and recognize how important this institution is to the current and future success of our children. I personally feel that it is a great honor and privilege to be part of the wonderful staff at SEAD. The lessons of perseverance and determination I have learned in my time here are truly priceless.
_______________
Linda Hakim is a speech and language pathologist at SEAD and also has a private practice.
